Pueito Rico Higliiivay Authoríty
•
•
^
* •^
^
• « • ■*. V
.
■
■ •
.
*
The people â– The niost importan t factor m the ivor/c vve achieve.
HIGHWAY AUTHORITY OF PUERTO ANNUALREPORT 1969-1970
^ ,
/ ^:V'
-I
TlSSi-Sí-'-i si^sfeiÉs^sgap
í®!-'
"^'Hcsr.
f\
(,
ü Ó--
\
'i:
. -y
'> •
iá-^A.-.
"".'i r .'■y M
lí
<¡
The Honorable Governor Luis A. Ferré, inspects the plans of one of
the projects the Highway Authority is executing.
[
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR We at the Highway Authority have reason to feel satisfied ovar the considerable number of new projects we started during the previous fiscal year. These projects are of vital importance to the welfare of the people of Puerto Rico. Our Governor, the Honorable Luis A. Ferré, has requested to us carryout Great Task and this is what we have started to do to overeóme the 15 year backiog in highway construction.
The numerous projects now underway are oniy a sample of the immense job we have pledged ourselves to accomplish to próvida Puerto Rico with a transportaron system in accordance with the progress its people will continua to experience.
I am pleased to announce that the financial condition of the Highway Authority is very solid at the present time. It is fitting to point out that this healthy financial condition is a direct result of a law to which our Governor gave his wholehearted support. In the. course of the last legislativa session a bilí was introduced to authorize that the totality of the eleven cents levied on gasolina be assigned to the Highway
Authority. Under the assumption that heavy motor vehicles have the obligation to contribute more directly to the program of improvements to public roads, the bilí proposed to increase the tax on diesel fuel from 4 to 8 cents a gallón. The House of Representativas approved the bilí during the ordinary session. after which the Senate, was aiso convinced of its soundness, and approved it at the end of the Special Session convened by the Governor last May.
With the signing of this law, Governor Ferré made available to the Highway Authority the additional funds needed to finance an accelerated five-year program, whose advantages will be feit all ovar Puerto Rico,
relieving traffic congestión and opening new roads of progress for our economy. With these funds we will be able to complete vital projects. to start the construction of new roads, and to plan for the construction of new projects.
Last year the Highway Authority adoptad the policy of opening to traffic new facilities as they were partially finished, instead of waiting until they were completad, (n this way the citizen seas his taxes put to work as fast as possible.
One of the outstanding projects in which we are now engaged is the San Juan - Ronce Turnpike. When the present administration took ovar in January of 1969, oniy one stretch was un er construction.
e
end of fiscal year 1969-70, eleven (11) segments, in addition to five bridges were in progr«s. Since the entire project comprises seventeen (17) segments it is evident that we have accomplished a S'g"i'":ant
progress in oniy 18 months. This gigantic project was a subject of discussion for many
^
making it a reality. This outstanding highway project great impact among the Spanish-speaking countnes
of the hemisphere. This is why we have proposed to ñame it Las Americas Thruway. We are aware that the solution to traffic congestión in the Metropolitan Area of San Juan will not
depend solely on roads. It is necessary to establish a reliable, attractive, rapid, comfortable, and economic system of public transportation. This is the rapid mass transportation system on whose design the Highway Authority has been working since September of 1969. One of our offices works exclusively on this vital project and we have contracted with the aid of federal funds the best consultants available. For
the Metropolitan Area we have made considerable progress towards the achievement of a well-balanced and integrated transportation system in which the elements of highways, rapid transit, conventional trans portation and parking are integrated.
In the midst of the noise accompanying the construction of roads and bridges, time has to be taken for planning, programming, rigorously administering public funds as well as creating and empioying new concepts. Some of these new ideas can be described as follows:
1. Eievated Urban Express Highways vs. the Chinese Wall - With the construction of elevated expressways expropriation is reduced to a minimum in most cases, affecting the least possible
number of famiiies which have been living for a long time in the neighborhood where these facilities will pass through. Another advantage is the múltiple use of the spaces under the expressway.
2. We believe that the construction of roads should not be limited exclusively to a pavement of cement or asphait but should posess other facilities which will tend to offer safety and comfort as well as attractiveness to the roads in Puerto Rico.
3. We have adopted the principie to levy tolls on special facilities, convinced that this measure will contribute definitely and significantly to shortening the construction time of much needed
projects. On the basis of the 15 year backiog in the construction of roads in Puerto Rico, we cannot allow ourselves the luxury to wait another 10 or 12 years for construction of urgently needed roads. As a result of this decisión, the San Juan to Ponce Turnpike will be constructed m approximately 4 years after it was started. If its construction had depended on the existing resources it would have taken more than ten years to finish it.
4. We have just started, for safety purposes,to use to advantage the construction of concrete median barriers in the main thoroughfares of Puerto Rico. We have already had construction begun on the median barrier of the road between Río Piedras and Caguas. This will be a functional barrier and yet very attractive to the eye.
5. We are trying to provide an efficient illumination system for the greatest number of roads and in so domg mmimize the amount of traffic accidents caused by lack of illumination. In the route
from Rio Piedras to Caguas a project is already underway to complete illumination all along this route.
^
6. We have established an Office for the Inspection of Bridges. A number of the bridges in Puerto Rico are near the 70 year-age without undergoing engineering inspection, and the state of their
condition is not known. This office, which is a part of the Highway Authority, will be in charge of the inspection of all the bridges of Puerto Rico and will formúlate the pertinent recommendations.
At the same time we have instituted a series of administrative and managerial improvements. We have created the Scientific Center of Puerto Rico within the Electronic Computer Center of the Highway Authority. We have offered training to our personnel, granted scholarships and formed closer bonds with
the personnel by means of recreational actívities and salary increases, coupled with better working conditions. Our personnel has reacted, showing loyalty and devotion to their work. Since I took office in the Highway Authority, I have always stressed the fact that the most important factor for success in our task is the personnel of the agency; not the machines, ñor the concrete,ñor the asphait: it is our people. The achievements evident in this report have been possible due to the efforts of each and every one of our employees. I feel proud of them, and I am sure the public will be too. The Highway Authority will continué building today the roads of tomorrow. ^ J. Raymond Watson Executive Director
GOVERNING BOARD
aaard af Direcors: From ,ef,,o rigM: Eng. Angel R. CeUn. Secreter,, tlie Han. Angel L. Martín Secretar,of the Treasur,. the Han. Antonio Santiago Véanoea, Secreter,of PutrUc Worke and Oielrman of the Boerd, the Han.
Enngue Soler Cloduell, President of the Planning Board, the Han. Lula RIeere Brenea. Secretar, of Agriculture and Doctor Max D. Sánchez, Mayor of Juana Díaz.
OFFICERS
Mr. Angel L. Rodríguez Assistant Executive Director
Eng. Miguel A. Barrera Acting Director
for Administration
Mass Transportation Off'ce
Eng. Justo Becerri!
Mr. Humberto Cuevas
Eng. Angel L. Allende
Consuitant
Assistant Executive Director
Deputy Executive Director
Toll Highway Construction
Finance
Míss Sofía Heyn
Eng. Angel Santiago Matos
Legal Advlsor
Assistant Executive Director
Eng. J. Raymond Watson Executive Director
Eng. José E.RossyValderrama « .
t Fxecutive Director for
for Planning Mr. Homero Rivera Pérez interna! Audit
Mr. Samuel Campos López
Eng. Manuel Febo
Eng. Angel R. Cabán
Assistant Executive Director
Special Assistant to the
for Construction
Executive Director
Public Retations Officer
Eng. Germán Landrau
Mr. Abraham Alvarez
Eng. Daniel Sosa Berríos
Assistant Executive Director
Director
Chief - Office of Safety
for Desígn
Toll Facilities Office
Peat. Marwick. Mitchell & Co. CERTIFIED PUBULC ACCOUNTA.NTS G. P. O. BOX 4089
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO 00936
Governing Board Puerto Rico Highway Authority: We have examined the balance sheet of the
Puerto Rico Highway Authority (note 1) as of June 30, 1970 and the related statement of contributed capital for the year then ended.. Our examination was made in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards, and accordingly included such tests of the accounting records and such other auditing procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. In our opiniรณn, the accompanying balance sheet
and statement of contributed capital present fairly the financial position of the Puerto Rico Highway Authority at June 30, 1970 and the changes in contributed capital for the year then ended, in conformity
with
generally
accepted accounting
principies applied on a basis consistent with that of the
preceding year. The
supplementary
data
included in Schedules 1 and 2 have been subjected to the same auditing procedures and, in our opiniรณn,
are stated fairly in all material respects when considered in conjunction with the basic financial statements taken as a whole.
License No. 21
Expires December 1, 1970
August 26, 1970
PUERTO RICO HIGHWAY AUTHORITY 1970
Assets
1969
Opefáting accounts: 10,350,939
7,119,219
Due from the Commonwealth Secretary of the Treasury (notes 1 and 2)
1,173,720
495,918
Federal aid reimbursements (notes 1 and 4)
2,208,200
2,206,514
199,948
490,045
3,581,868
3,192,477
1
76,008
60,019
1
14,008,815
10,371,715
2,138,987
2,200,169
$
Cash (note 2)
Receivables:
Other
Total receivables
i
1 Prepaid expenses Total operating accounts
Advances to the Commonwealth Department of Public Works (note 1)
1 1
1 j
Property and equipment, at cost: Land
1,805,106
Operating equipment
1.454,562
1,069,862
I
3,259,668
1,126,659
1
411,330
246,804
56,797
Leasehold improvements
1
Less accumulated deprecíation and amortization (note 1)
1
2,848,338
879,855
Completad projects
109,010,391
Projects under constructlon
126,211,591
60,849,795 99,811,405
Net property and equipment
Cost of investment in traffic facilities (notes 1 and 6):
673,478
Right of way
Deposits for land under expropriation proceeding
3,224,928
t
Total cost of investment in traffic facilities
Other assets (notes 1 and 3): Bond sinking fund reserve Bond discounts
164.532,058 239,120,388
1,943,323 1,418,242 682,375
Other Total other assets
673,478 3.197,380
606,206 720,176
243,615
"TiéíÓi?
4,043,940 179.553,794 S 262.160.468
See accompanying notes to financiai statements.
BALANCE SHEET June 30,1970 with comparative figures for 1969 Llabiiities and Contríbuted Capital
1970
1969
Operating accounts: Loans.payable to the Commonwealth Secretary of the Treasury (note 4)
Current portion of long-term debt (note 2)
6,882,178
6,584,032
675,000
Accounts payable
4,513,814
4,622,714
Amounts retalned from contractors
7,105,880
3,589,019
Interest (note 2)
2,372,110
1,021,800
660,100
519,418
22,209,082
16,336,983
Bonds payable
79,325,000
40,000,000
Bond anticipation notes
35,500,000
20,000,000
114,825,000
60,000,000
Commonvealth of Puerto Rico
86,749,176
68,840,243
Federal Government
36,519,350
32,826,708
1,857,860
1,549,860
125,126,386
103,216,811
Other
Total operating accounts
Long-term debt (note 5):
Total long-term debt
Contríbuted capital (note 1):
Municipalities and others Total contríbuted capital
Commitments and contingent liability (notes 5 and 6)
$ 262,160,468
179,553,794
PUERTO RICO HIGHWAY AUTHORITY
Year ended June 30,1970 with comparativa figures for 1969
1970
1969
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (note 1);
Balance at beginning of year
$ 68,840,243
50,711,787
23,709,703 411,519
21,884,733 133,936
24,121,222 6,212,289
22,018,669 3.890,213
17,908,933
18.128,456
$ 86,749,176
68.840,243
$ 32,826,708 3,692,642
27,378,436 5.448,272
$ 36,519,350
32.826,708
Appropríations:
Gasoline excise tax Other Functiona! expenses (Schedule 2) Net appropríations for the
year
Balance at end of year Federal Government (note 1):
Balance at beginning of year Appropríations during the year
Balance at end of year Municipalities and other:
Balance at beginning of year
$
Appropríations during the year
1,549,860
528,128
308,000
1,021,732
Balance at end of year
$
1,857,860
1.549,860
Total contributed capital
$ 125,126,386
103.216,811
See accompanying notes ta financia/ statements.
PUERTO RICO HIGHWAY AÜTHORITY
tement of Receipls aod Disbnrsements Year ended June 30,1970 with comparative figures for 1969
1970
Cash balance at beginning of year
$
1969
7,119,219
5,242,325
23,031,909
21,887,865
Receipts:
Gasoline tax collections
Federal contributlons
Bond anticipation notes
3,933,998
6,765,168
55,500,000
20,000,000
Proceeds from bond ¡ssue,¡ncluding $675,155 of
accrued ¡nterest at date of sale
39,899,155
■ Interim financing from the Government
Development Bank for Puerto Rico
17,000,000
Loans from the Commonwealth Secretary of the
Treasury Sale pf short-term ¡nvestments Contributlons from Municipalities and others Other Total receipts
3,256,468 3,994,453 560,971 440,166
5,522,945 4,190,998 721,732 158,553
147,617,120
59,247,261
67,746,179
43,632,334
Disbursements:
Cost of investment in traffic fácilities
Payment of bond anticipation notes
40,000i000
Interim financing to the Government Development
Bank for Puerto Rico Operating expenses, excluding those capitalized into,the cost of the projects
17,000,000 5,782,734
3,733,472
5,280,902
2,757,798
4,074,520
2,281,243
2,958,323 1,294,020
4,557,509 408,011
Purchase of short-term investments and deposits to sinking fund
I nterest on bond indebtedness and other
Payment of loans to the Commonwealth Department of the Treasury
Purchase of property and equipment
248,722
-
Other
Total disbursements
Cash balance at end of year
144,385,400
57,370,367
$ 10,350,939
7,119,219
PUERTO RICO HIGHWAY AÜTHORITY
Year ended June 30,1970 with cpmparative figures for 1969
1970
1969
10,303,370
8,160,674
464,680
343,955
Office supplies
98,756
91,426"
Advertising and promotion
68,852
52,290
Travel, per diem and representation
621,586
495,246
Professional services
310,989
183,845
Depreciation and amortization
400,433
156,742
4,740,688
2.368,817
320,870
471,150
Salaries and payroil taxes Rent
Interest
Transportaron studies and highway planning research net of federal contributions of
$243,044 ($131,351 in 1969)
23,867
8,384
Repairs and maintenance
100,325
62,450
Telephone and teleít[raph
56,704
34,499
345,860
320,007
Tools and construction supplies
Workmen's compensation
Training of personnel Other
35,489
10,554
220,900
133,757
18,113,369
12,893,796
11,901,080
9,003,583
6,212,289
3,890,213
Less expenses capitalized to projects under construction
$
Notes to FInancial Statements ■ June 30,1970
by Act No. 74 approved on June 23, 1965, as amended by Act No. 112 approved on June 21, 1968.
(1) Operations and Relatad Matters B. Contributed Capital A. Creation
Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico
The Puerto Rico Highway Authority is a
public corporation and instrumentality of
During the year ended June 30, 1970, the
the Gommpnwealth of Puerto Rico created
main source of revenue of the Authority
was six elevenths of the eleven cents per
Part of the construction program of the
gallón of gasolina excise tax collected by the
Authority
Commonwealth Secretary of the Treasury,
coordination
as provided by Act No. 75 approved on
Department of
June 23, 1965. This tax, net of functional
by Act No. 74 approved on June 23, 1965,
expenses (Sea Schedule 2), represents the
and by further agreement between the
contribution
Authority' and
of
the
Commonwealth
is
being with
the
performed
in
Commonwealth
Public Works as provided
the Secretary of the Department of Public Works signed on
of
Puerto Rico for the construction program of the Authority and for other related
September 3, 1965. Periodical advances of
activities. The Authority is exempted from
money are made to the Department of
the payment of any tax on its revenues and
Public Works to carry out their participation
properties.
in the construction program on behalf of the Authority.
Effective July 1, 1970, the Legislatura of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico approved an
E. Depreciation and Amortization Policy
increase in the share of the Authority to
eight elevenths and aiso assigned to the Authority four eighths of the diesel oil excise tax per gallón. The amendment provides that, effective July 1, 1971, the
The Authority follows the practice of carrying
Authority will receive the total eleven cents
cost of these facilities is not depreciated.
in the balance sheet the accumulated costs
incurred in the construction program as cost of investment in traffic facilities. The
per gallón of gasolina excise tax presently
being collected by the Commonwealth
The operating equipment is being depreciated based on the straight-line method.
Secretary of the Treasury.
C. Contribüted Capital - Federal Government
Bond discount and the deferred financing
expenses are being amortized over the term of the bonds based on the stright-line
The Federal appropriations are recéived method. This amortization and the interest through the Bureau of Public Roads, U.S. expense are capitalized as cost of investment Department of Transportation, under in traffic facilities. provisions of Title 23, U.S.C. The annual contribution provides a period of two years (2) Cash to encumber the funds in approved projects.
Because of this two-year period, part of the appropriations recelved during fiscal year ended June 30, 1970,.are applicable to
The cash balance as of June 30, 1970 and 1969, consists of the following: 1970
prior years' appropriations. The Authority follows
the practice of recording such
appropriations at the time of billing to the Bureau of Public Roads regardiess of the year appropriated.
1969
Certifícate of deposit with the Government
Deveíopment Bank for Puerto Rico
$ 4,000,000
4,000.000
Funds help by the Commonwealth
Secretary of the
D. Construction Program ■ Commonwealth Department of Public Works
Treasury
Construction Funds
1,424,107 1,405,996
1.363,289 661.036
u
3,047,110 237,676
Bond Service account
Regular accounts
1,021,800 73,094
consist- of the following:
236.050
Other
$ 10.350.939
7,119,219
Cash held by the Commonwealth Secretary of
the
Treasury
represents
The bonds payable as of June 30, 1970,
collections
of
gasolina excise tax kept in the ñame of the
Authority. This money is subject to withdrawais upon the request of the
(a) Highway Revenue Bonds (Series A), aggregating $40,000,000, consisting of $20,000,000 serial bonds maturing in varying annual installments on July 1 in each year from 1970 to 1988, and $20,000,000 term bonds maturing on July 1, 1998. The bonds were issued at
Authority. In addition, as of June 30, 1970,
the
amount
of $1,173,720, had
been
varying interest rates from 4.75 per cent to 5.25 per cent.
collected by the Secretary of the Treasury but not yet credited to the funds of the Authority. This amount is shown as a receivable in the financial statements.
(b) Highway Revenue Bonds (Series B), aggregating $40,000,000, consisting of $20,000,000 serial bonds maturing in varying annual installments on July 1 in
The balance in the bond service account is
held by the fiscal agent for the payment of interest on bonds due July 1, 1970, in the amount of $2,372,110 and $675,000, for the payment of Serial Bonds "A"
each
year from 1971 to 1990, and
$20,000,000 term bonds maturing on July 1, 1998. The,bonds were issued at varying interest rates from 6 per cent to 7 per cent.
maturing on the same date. The bonds are secured by a pledge of the net
(3) Sinking Fund Reserve
receipts of the gasoline excise tax (see note 1), together with the proceeds of any other
At June 30, 1970, the sinking fund reserve consists of cash in banks of $549,358 and
U.S. Treasury Notes, at cost, amounting to $1,393,965.
(4) Loans Payable the Treasury
Commonwealth Secretary of
Federal for each
through the line of credit which will be
current construction program of projects Federal
aid. These
by to
approved project. (5) Long - term Debt
12
the be
loans
related
received
As of June 30, 1970, the Authority had been
granted a $65,000,000 line of credit, expiring December 31, 1970, with interest rates varying with respect to the going rate at the time of withdrawais thereon. The amount of $35,500,000 has been borrowed
Secretary of the Treasury to carry out its
contributions
Authority for the use of any of its traffic facilities financed by bonds.
withouf interest from the Commonwealth
collateralized
of Puerto Rico may al lócate and authorize the Authority to pledge; and by a pledge of
the proceeds of any tolls or other charges which may hereafter be imposed by the
The Authority Is empowered to obtaín loans
with
taxes, fees or charges which the Legislature
are
repaid by issuance of bonds.
(6) Commitments and Contigent Liability
As of June 30, 1970, the Authority had
The contractbrs are required, under the terms
commitments of approximately $50,000,000
of
relating to construction contract balances of
adequate public llability insurance. AIso,
uncompleted projects.
the contracts provide that the contractors shall
The Authority is defendant or co-defendant in
various lawsuits for alleged damages
aggregating
approximately
$4,000,000.
the construction agreement, to
hoid
harmless the
carry
Authority from
suits or claims brought on account of damages relating to the construction projects.
Therefore, management based on advlce of
in
legal counsel, believes that the liability of
connection with projects under construction.
the Authority, if any, would be immaterial.
Substantially
all
of
the
suits
are
The mosl nunlr.n trchnunÂť; .ve jpphvd m Hu: comrucuun oĂ loocls ,iod l)nthjes o! the Isl.ind.
V3
\tí-^
Hundreds of kilometers have been converted from
swamps to modern highways, thus affecting the people in the ieast possibie way.
miscellaneous studies aiso were completed with a ienght of 8.07 kilometers.
Two hundred projects were being designad. From this total the geometric design of 64 projects with a length of 149 kilometers, were completed.
During the fiscal year 1969-70, the Office of Structural Design preparad the construction plans of 26 structural works.
.^^■^rr, "r"
.vv, •;,-. '
•'■' •' '
'r-'.
; ■
■ '. "■
In addition to
this activity 17 works were accomplished, related to structural works of highways. Estimates, specifications and other contract documents were preparad for 33 construction projects with a length of 71.6 kilometers and with a construction cost of $27,249,160.
Estimates, specifications and other AREA OF DESI6N
contract documents were preparad for 76 reconstrucíion projects with a length of
The Area of Design is one oí the units which make up the operational structure oí the
457.65 kilometers and with a construction
Highway Authority. Within this structure, It has the responsibility to accomplish the functions related to the study, design and
preparation oí the final construction plans and of 3ÍI contract documents of the Highway Authority.
The activities carried out during the fiscal year 1969-70 were as follows:
Surveys were finished for 97 projects with total length of 169.59 kilometers. These
projects are classified in: 27 primarles, 16 secondaries and 46 municipals. Eight (8)
14
cost of $9,701,740.
A total of 653 fieid surveys were completed, covering a total ot 1730 kilometers approximately. Answers were preparad to 360 projects submitted for endorsement to the Area of Design. Thirty seven (37) contracts were carried out with consultanís, with a total of 333.788 kilometers. These are classified as follows; seventeen (17) contracts of primary roads of 244.80 kilometers, eleven (11) contracts of secondary roads of 87.40 kilometers and nine (9) structures of 1,588 kilometers.
In areas with critica! traffic problems we have started to open to traffic
those secrions of the projects that can be puf to use without waiting for thc project to be fuiíy finished.
ADMINISTRATION AREA
This area was created to establish the administrative functions related to house-
keeping, systems and procedures, hiring and perscnnel operations, and the acquisition of materials and equipment, among others. The Administration Area consists of
the Offices of Personnel, Auxiiiary Services, Purchase and Contracts and Transportaíion. Each of them has a manager who is responsíble to the Assisíant Executive Director or Administration who in turn answers to the Executive Director.
FiNANCE AREA
The fiscal year 1969-70 was a year of
signiíicaní events in the finance of the Highway Authority. Among the most outstanding achievements obtained during the year we can enumérate the following:
1. Law No. 24 signed on June 20, 1970 transfers to the Highway Authority.
the remaining five cents of the tax levied on gasoline as well as the new increase of four cents, levied on diesel
oit. Said law specifies that effective
on July 1, 1970 a transfer will be made of two cents of the gasoline tax in addition to four cents (from
the total of eight cents) íixed on
1b
the diesel tax. Effective on July 1, 1971 the three remaining cents will be transferred. This strengthens the
financia! position of the Authority considerabiy.
2. On March 31,1970 the second issuing of
installation of the I.B.M. 360/40 and the installation of a Model 360/50.
The computer was operated during a total of 2,655 hours for an average of 221 hours/month. The new IBM 370/155 was ordered in addition to
the 360/50 already installed.
bonds by the Authority took place successfully. This second issue (B Series) of $40 million was soid at a discount of
98.06 per cent and with a net total yieid of 6.97926 per cent.
3. On April 10,1970 a line of credit was negotiated with the Chase Manhattan Bank for $60 million at an annual interest rate of.5 3/8 per cent with a maturity date of December 31,1970. The amount of this line of credit will be
used to pay $17 million loaned by the Government Development Bank In an interim credit line and to continué the accelerated program of traffic facilities.
4. For the Fiscal year 1969-70 the income corresponding to the gasoline tax
{6/11 parts) was of $23,709,703 which represents an increase of 8 per cent over
the total net collection for the previous
year (1968-69) which was of $21,884,733. 5. The investment in permanent improvements for the fiscal year 1969-70 was of $74,588,070 which represents an increase of $21,868,866 or 41.48 per cent over
the previous fiscal year.
AREA OF PRÜPERTY ACQUISITIGN AND ADMINISTRATiülM
This area was created during the fiscal year 1969-70 and Engineer José E. Rossy
Valderrama was designated to direct it, to initiate its organization and operations.
During this fiscal year a total of 149 projects with a total length of 307
kilometers were visited, in comparison with 103 projects and 164 kilometers last year.
Two-hundred-thirty-seven (237) structures
with a valué of $329,302.93 were appraised, in comparison with one-hundred- sixty-two
(162) structures valued at$172,989.86
last year. ln regard to damages to cultivated lands, 491 cases were appraised amounting to $138,912.10 and last year 167 cases were appraised amounting to $38,264.80.
In projects visited by the Appraisal Office 376 entry contracts were obtained for transfer of ownership of property Gquivalent to 65 per cent of the total of landowners affected. Contracts of entry
and occupation amounted to 188 for 32
per cent as compared to 177 permits and 6. The fiscal year 1969-70 marked the second year of operations since the
16
17 per cent last year. There were 38
expropriations for 3 per cent of the total.
The Bridgc ovor the Martín Peña, Channel, a project where the most advanced engineering concepts are used wHI be a link between the
Santurce Area and Las Americas Expressway.
AREAOFCONSTRUCTION
During the fiscal year 1969-70 the Area of Construction operated with the Offices of the Assistant Executive Director, Federal affairs Construction, Reconstruction, Contract, Liquidations and Testing of Materials. The Regional Offices for the East, South and West and the Office for the Construction of the Turnpikes were established. The organization of the
fourth Regional Office (north) was planned during this fiscal year.
Projects were developed in 72 municipal-
ities of the Island. A total of 165.49 kilometers of construction projects were finished with a total cost of $23,694,324.62 and 485.23 kilometers in reconstruction
projects with a total valué of $15,679,574.12. At this time 167.56 kilometers are being built in active construction projects and 140.58 kilometers in active reconstruction projects.
During this fiscal year active construction
projects of the San Juan - Ponce Turnpike had a total of 18.98 kilometers. Theyare
underway in the municipalities of Ponce, JuanaDíaz, Santa Isabel and Cayey.
\1
AREA OF PLANNING
tn planning our projects we have taken into consideration the driver as well as the pedestrian. the city as well as the suburban dwellers.
The basic functions of the Area of
Planning are guided toward the planning and programming of roads.lts principal responsibility is the preparation of a
workable, integral and coordinated plan of immediate and far reaching aims effective in providing needed road capacity. Toward these aims it analyzes existing condilions in all aspects of traffíc and transportation, seis
objectives for the future, makes recommendations establishing priorities of projects to be executed taking into account available
resources; it keeps a record of the progress of the projects that have been programmed, it íTy
iá'J
i*
reevaluates constantly the objectives set forth in the light of the results as they are
evident. All this work is performed subject to the evaluation and approvai of the Executive Director and the Governing Board. PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE
The Public Relations Office organized the participation of the Highway Authority in a great number of civic activities as well as
inter-agency, and social activities to make
known the work accomplished by this public entity and the functions that have been entrusted to it.
■
■' «I
The personal care given to consultations submitted by citizens who have been affected by our projects or who wish that their communities be included in our programs was achieved with great success. The personnel of the Public Relations
Office was in charge of the coordination of the inauguration program of a great number of projects that had been finished and were opened to traffic.
In the course of this fiscal year 86 press raleases were written and severa! iiiustrated
news reports were prepared for publisfiing
in diverse local and overseas publications.
We have initiated new iUumination projects which will contribute greatly to prevent mishaps in the highways.
19
The Office was in contlnuous communica-
and seventy-five (175) interviews and
tion with the mayors and legislators to keep them informed about the different projects
related to safety were shown to inspectors
that were put for bids and to send them the
in coordination with talks.
meetingswith contractors. .Ten films
monthly report of projects classified by municipalities.
LEGAL ADVISOR
OFFICE OFSAFETY
The Office of Safety has been assigned to
The Office of the Legal Advisor has the functión of providing legal counsel to the Executive Director and to other officials of the Highway Authority. It prepares contract documents needed for all those
execute the program of safety of the Highway
activities in which the Highway Authority
Authcrlty. It was created to protect the Ufe
appears as one of the parties.
and health of the employees of the Authoríty, the contractors and the public in general. It protects prívate and public property as well. The Office of Safety elaborates its
program by means of visits to projects,
It revises and approves documents
preparad outside the Authority before they are signad and prepares draft opinions on
legislation on which the Authority is called upon to comment.
conferences, orientation and development of new methods of work for contractors as
well as for the employees of the Authoríty,
It takes care of consultations and gives
opinions in the ¡nterpretation of any legal question which may arise. It attends to
At the end of fiscal year 1969-70 the
Office had made 1,738 visits to the project sites of which 1,267 were inspection trips. These inspections resulted in the finding of 1,391 risksof which 1,032 were corrected and 359 were pending correction as of this
complaints of a legal natura, orders the corresponding investígations and takes the
necessary steps to obtain a report on them.
OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIQN AND OPERATION OF TOLL FACILITIES
report.
This Office was created during the The Office of Safety gave 703 talks
fiscal year 1969-70, It plans.organizas and
about safety measures and the use of safety
supervises all administrative and operational matters concerning the facilitíes oí the Toll
equipment to groups of íaborers at their job site.
A total of 480 detonations of explosivas
were supervised. The Office participated in 19 training programs and held one hundred
20
Turnpikes. The Office started its operation of communications, surveillance, concessions, nances, special personnel, selection of
equipment, and maintenance. It ha?
established contact with other government
Las Amaneas TurnplLe now unPer cons.ructĂan Pamaen San Juan ana,Ronca, has recaiaea,special ananaion Cus to The present urgent need for this modern highway. 21
agencies related in some way with the Turnpike, namely the Department of Health, the Civil Defense, and the Department of Public Works.
operational as well administrativa. During the fiscal year 1969-70 the Office participated in 342 interventions in projects,6 interventions in contracts, 37 interventions of administrativo character and 18
Among the achievements obtained until
now we can ñame the plant and grass nursery of the Highway Authority located at the
Longo Farm in Caguas; the regulations on the use of the Turnpikes; the organization of the personnel of the Turnpikes, their corresponding positions and description of their duties; the training of its existing personnel; the training program for the
miscellaneous other.
In total, the office participated in 403 interventions.
BOARD OF AWARDS
In fiscal year 1969-70 a total of
personnel to be recruited and the
establishment of the design criteria for the
stations to collect the toll charges. INTERNAL AUDITING
The Office of Internal Auditing helps the
69 bids were oponed for highway projects.
Sixty six (66) bids were awarded with a total valué of $29,627,581.20 Sixty three (63) contracts were signed
functions that have been assigned to it so it
worth $23,601,599.83. Two contracts remained for signing during the year
may accomplish its task adequately and
1970-71. These have a valué of
achieve the objectives of the Authority.
$6,025,981.37.
management to execute due control over the
The office prepares reports, evaluations, recommendations and pbjective opinions concerning all the areas examinad.
The purchase of tires by bids had a valué of $24,413.29, vehicles of
$88,979.22 and engineering equipment of $30,525.00.
MiHions of cubic feet of dirt are being moved
in different localities of the Is/and to give way to modero highways.
22
XH. >y^
M
di
■■" ""^ V^^^V*----*" "■ . - *! .' - ''J"' '"tC*ís¿^'^"is
SSííS^r^
TT.-*■ :m£
jv
'
•
W%
'4
SF «¿í?v r
■^5' 'íK'?:
COMMONWEALTH OT PUERTO RICO
HIGHWAY AUTHORITY
HIGHWAY AUTHORITY "Buílding today the roads of tomorrow'